‘Scary’ Obama comment lands teacher in hot water

[ariesgem]

DOVER, Del. - A Delaware state human relations commission is investigating allegations that a fifth-grade teacher told her class she wouldn’t vote for Barack Obama because he is “scary” and a Muslim.

The mother of a 10-year-old student complained, saying her daughter’s teacher made the comments during a mock primary on Super Tuesday last month at a southeastern Delaware elementary school. The student is a Muslim.

The Democratic presidential candidate is a Christian, but he’s had to fight against false Internet rumors suggesting he’s really a Muslim intent on destroying the United States.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1083120

[MichaelHarris]

1. I always wait a bit

when it comes to stories such as this. Teachers tend to be educated and know better (for the most part). This could very well be something the teacher may have said while teaching the politics of racism. She may have said this as an example of what has been said about Obama.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[babylonsister]

43. It did happen and a Muslim child took issue. The teacher just might

have been wrong, or not. There's no end game in this...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3063044&mesg_id=3063044

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MichaelHarris]

4. you still here?

[Unsane]

6. huh? saying he's "scary" and "muslim" isn't criticism, it's just nonsense.

you'll be gone soon enough

[scheming daemons]

7. You haven't been tombstoned yet? Wow... normally freepers like you don't last this long...

...

[EmilyAnne]

12. No, he's not an Indian untouchable. He is actually half Kenyan and was born in America to an

American woman, which makes him an American.

[bookman]

24. You can be critical of anyone...

... but this is not Fox News. Facts would be nice.

And believe it or not --- America isn't perfect. It can be better.

[Crunchy Frog]

27. So I take it you'd also be fine with a teacher telling a class

that Hillary is scary and Marxist and a lesbian. That's legitimate criticism in your book isn't it, or does this only apply to Obama? BTW, who were you in your previous incarnation?

[Bensthename]

5. Last month I replied to a mass Pro McCain email.

It was going on about how great the war in Iraq was going. There were no facts in this email, only "We are bringing freedom to the Iraqis" BS.

Then there were two other main talking points. One on Obama's patriotism, mainly referring to that photo of Obama not saluting during the National Anthem. And the other on the fact that he was a muslim. They gave no proof or reason for this.

I did a reply all to about one hundred names.
I replied back with links of his patriotism and his lack of muslim upbringing and the fact that he is clearly a christian. I pasted links from the Obama web site on these issues, along with a "this is bull shit" note attached.

Now I know allot the names and the sender was a friends mom. They are all republican - cons from here in the bible belt. She was sending this out to her RW fruit cake buddies. I'm still getting hell from it. Haha.

[EmilyAnne]

8. What is the deal with places towns named Dover?

Remember the 2004 Dover, Pennsylvania case in which the teaching of intelligent design in science classes was made mandatory?

[boppers]

9. If the kids were shocked, and realized their teacher was wrong...

Then they may have been learning something, after all.

I guess it comes down to what the teacher proffers as a defense, for example, if she said "I was demonstrating the ignorance often found in our primary and election system. I am glad that the students recognized the difference between a valid criticism and willful bigotry, even when coming from people close to their daily lives."



tpyo

[msallied]

10. Okay, here's an honest question: What if Obama WERE a Muslim?

Would that be a factor in your support for him? Given the level of xenophobia regarding Muslims in this day and age, would we ever see a day where we did see a Muslim President?

Sort of off topic, I know, but it seemed as good a place as any to raise the question.

For the record, I think it sickens me to reduce any man's candidacy to his religious preference, even if this particular incident is a lie.

[Bensthename]

13. I would be for him but I would realize this isn't a great time for a Muslim candidate.

[msallied]

18. I think that is one hurdle that America will probably

never be able to overcome. There is just too much there... too much. We can and will elect a black President. Probably one day even vote for an Asian, a woman, a Hispanic, etc... But a Muslim at least in this generation or the next... I am incredibly doubtful.

[boppers]

15. Muslims, like Christians, come in all flavors.

I find the whole idea of American Presidents being "christian" to be fairly laughable, for the most part.

[msallied]

16. Very true.

Considering I'm an Atheist, I guess I really shouldn't care too much one way or the other. lol

[Norrin Radd]

57. Great point.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MichaelHarris]

14. I read your story twice

and you know, it really doesn't say anything good about you.

[crispini]

21. I'd have to agree with that. nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. And it isn't funny either

[blonndee]

17. Wow. Just freaking wow.

I can't believe you would say that here. Or anywhere, actually.

[MichaelHarris]

19. did I misread

this person's post or do they think they are at another website?

[blonndee]

23. That's what I thought at first. There are so many things WRONG with this post

I can't understand what possible point this poster could be making, especially here. :wtf:

[MichaelHarris]

26. is it possible

they thought they were at maybe Fox News leaving a comment?

[scheming daemons]

20. Dude... that story is NOT flattering for you.....

...

[MichaelHarris]

25. I'm still at a loss

as to why someone would admit to a story like that. I'm almost thinking about alerting on it. It just doesn't belong here, maybe Hannity's website but not here.

[Shakespeare]

28. You're a bad person.

And I hope to god you're not still teaching. No child needs to be around the kind of ugliness you spread.

[MichaelHarris]

29. are you even

going to try and defend this?

[Crunchy Frog]

30. Are you a FReeper?

You've certainly worked up a good post count, though I can't tell how long you've been here since your profile is hidden.

[boppers]

31. What?.... What?

You come on DU and present yourself as an intolerant bigot, wasting the FBI's resources to harass people over a personal vendetta, and think it's a "funny story"?

[MichaelHarris]

34. If ever a poster

needed calling out it's you. I'm not going to alert in hopes thousands see your post in all it's hatred and evil. I'm willing to get banned pointing you out, your post is that vile.

[proud2BlibKansan]

36. Wow

You make me ashamed. First of all, there is no need for the girls to stand during Mass. I also taught in a Catholic school with non-Catholic kids in attendance and they were perfectly capable of sitting respectfully during Mass.

Secondly, your report to the FBI stinks. Big time.

[MichaelHarris]

39. I'm with you p2Bl

this person taught kids hate, man that sucks. What really is astounding is they seem proud of it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

45. On behalf of all the Muslim kids I have taught

and all the Catholic kids I have taught - - - I hang my head in shame.

[Oilwellian]

37. Are you kidding me?

You think your post is a funny story? Good grief...I find it disgusting.

[pop goes the weasel]

40. funny indeed!

I bet the FBI was as pleased with your "help" in finding real threats to American safety as they were with Elvis's assistance against the war on drugs. Did you also take the time to report on suspicious white powder at the donut shop? Cuz there's nothing law enforcement loves like having to expend manpower on spite reports instead of dealing with real crime.

[LeftyMom]

41. I hope you're kidding.

We actually have a lot of muslima students at our two Catholic girls schools, both because they're girls' schools and because their parents like the academic rigor. Of course, those schools have plenty of other non-Catholic students, and send non-Catholic students to an alternate class (I think it's philosophy and ethics) instead of making them sit through mass, because they're apparently run by people with more sense and respect for their student's beliefs.

If I'd seen that happen I'd have been terrifically offended at your disrespect for you students. And I was raised Catholic in a very traditional parish.

But that you not only disrespected your students and placed your beliefs above their own, but you made such a scene that they lost their chance at an upbringing in a reasonable and civilized (no thanks to you) country, and you reported their Dad to the Gestapo for the crime of being different from you and standing up for his kids? Get the fuck out of teaching. Stay far away from kids. Your judgment sucks, you set a terrible example, and you may very well have ruined those two girls' lives over something as stupid as inattention during holy calisthenics.

[TheDoorbellRang]

42. You reported him to the FBI for that?

Why are you on this site?

What if this guy was now at Gitmo or one of our other secret prisons because of your "suspicions."

How can you live with yourself?

[better tomorrow]

44. Ha ha ha, got ya.....

Yes, it is a made up story. Thus the "funny" in it...

Now, here is the rewrite...

I live in the United States of Amreica in 2008. We go to work everyday and pay our bills and do the right thing. Democrats don't care if we eat Rice Krispies or Cocoa Puffs but they do care if we support a dumb war.

Everyday on TV my President stands up and shakes his finger in my face and tells me that I have to support him and his policies and that he can do whatever he wants because he is the President and if I don't like it I can leave and go to Pakistan if I don't think my country is good enough. I am not here but only to pay taxes for his military might and Constitutional interpretation.

I retort: "Well then, if I don't want to participate in the Evangelical Movement, I don't have to. I live in the US because it offers me a good life and good educational opportunities, not because the Religious Right run it." He seemed surprised that I would stand up to him. He went to his Vice President and other advisors and they backed him up. Needless to say, he bombed Iran.

Now, for clinchers, (and if you thought my story was true you would have caught the obvious reference to 1998 and 2001 and the time difference which didn't make sense) after I went to DU and posted my story, many reported me for saying unChristian things and spreading discrimination. The Freepers (the FBI) thanked me.

That means that you are all good Democrats.

(But, sorry if you thought it was true and I offended anyone). You should know my satire by now...my videos are full of it and my creativity sometimes creepy. And, it was only a school story because the original post was about a teacher's impostition. But, I'm glad that it got your attention and brought you out of the woodwork. I'm just sorry that you didn't catch the "funny" which was meant to "alert" you.

[MichaelHarris]

46. I know what I am

I am still very uncertain about you.

[better tomorrow]

47. read your own tag, Michael....you

like humor and satire, too, as is evidenced in your sig line about peeing. So, do I. I write political satire and used to write online for years. (That is the truth and I am now retired). Most of my videos should show you that I use humor a LOT on this board, as do my other 1000 plus posts. They can be found by visiting my link if you missed any of them.

Maybe I am just too punchy tonight and need to give it a rest. Again, I guess it hit a raw nerve but was intended for a lot of us to look in the mirror. I thought it would rout the true Freepers but I guess they aren't on that thread.

[MichaelHarris]

48. my humor tends

to NOT single out individuals based on their religion or skin color. I pretty much consider that humor bad taste.

[better tomorrow]

49. so noted. I'll take my lumps then but isn't that what we are

doing in this election with the Rev. Wright thing and all?

Again, mea culpas to you. I just thought it would make everyone think and discuss. It WILL come up in the GE and you know it.....so get ready. It won't be pretty, just wrong.....

[Book Lover]

51. Problem is...

humor usually makes people laugh.

[better tomorrow]

52. you are right. It's late. Missed it on this one, I guess. I just knew

where I was going with it but apparantly there was a pothole somewhere....

[LeftishBrit]

55. Ah, just saw that...

Sorry I jumped, and glad that my last guess - that it was a sarcastic spoof - turned out correct!

[DerekJ]

53. What an asshole.

[LeftishBrit]

54. I'm an atheist, but I know lots of teachers in Catholic and Church of England schools (in England...

and I can assure you they'd all be thoroughly SHOCKED at your story.

While such schools do tend to favour practicing Christians at admission (an issue that arouses lots of controversy), there are lots of non-Christian - including plenty of Muslim - children at the that I know. They are treated respectfully; not coerced; and all children are taught something about all the world's major religions: this is part of the curriculum in all schools here. Certainly NO teacher in any type of school would report people, who don't accept religion, to the police or security services. If they did, they'd be regarded as serious nuisances wasting police time, and if it got back to their school they would probably risk disciplinary action.

Or was your post some sort of sarcastic spoof? ETA: I just read that it was! Good! - and sorry I wasn't sure!

[cooolandrew]

22. When you know Barack it is as ludicrous as calling him an alien intent on destroying America.

[boppers]

33. Well, that would explain the celestial choirs.

It's really just UFO engine noise.

[DerekJ]

56. hahahaha

DUzy winner
:rofl:

[proud2BlibKansan]

32. What an idiot

[Alexander]

35. Heck, Shillbots use code words like that all the time here on DU.

[stratomagi]

50. Whats going to be interesting to see is people

pushing the Muslim thing and the crazy Christian pastor thing at the same time, and maybe in the same breath, without their heads exploding.

[Enrique]

58. run for your lives!

it's Barack Obama! :scared:

[saltpoint]

59. I betcha a lot of her 11-year old students know that Obama is not a Muslim,

and in fact attends Christian church.

Certainly their parents do.

This could be a case where local objections solve the problem at the local level. No teacher should be promoting one or another candidate in a classroom, but instead, should try hard to remain neutral and encourage students to explore the issues surrounding the presidential election.